Group Tour – Papua New Guinea – November 2023
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Group tour Papua New Guinea
Prepare for an extraordinary journey to fascinating Papua New Guinea led by experienced guide, Arjan Gunnink. This trip has been carefully crafted to let you experience the most enchanting facets of this pristine paradise. One of the last frontiers for the modern explorer, Papua New Guinea offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture found nowhere else on earth.
Together with about 12 more adventurers, you will begin this unforgettable odyssey in the waters of Kimbe Bay, Father’s Reef and the Witu Islands aboard the luxury liveaboard, the MV Oceania. Here, in the heart of the Coral Triangle, you will dive pristine coral reefs blessed with stunning biodiversity. Every dive promises to be an enchanting experience, from the vibrant coral gardens of Kimbe Bay to the spectacular drop-offs of Father’s Reef and the varied underwater landscapes of the Witu Islands.
After a fantastic week of diving, we continue on land, to the Rabaul/Kokopo region. Here you will be immersed in the history of the South Pacific, discovering stories of the battle between the Japanese and the Allies during World War II. The impact of natural forces is also highlighted as you explore the volcanic ruins of Rabaul, once a bustling city, now transformed by a devastating eruption. The cultural highlight of our trip is an authentic fire dance performance, a deep dive into the indigenous culture of Papua New Guinea.
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What will you experience on this trip?
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November 3 & 4 - The trip to Papua New Guinea
Your adventure to mysterious Papua New Guinea begins at a major European airport. Typically, there are no direct flights to Papua New Guinea from Europe, so your first step will be a stopover in one of the major Asian hub airports, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila or Kuala Lumpur. Depending on your airline, this could also be an Australian hub, such as Sydney or Brisbane.
From your stopover, you will then fly to Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. This flight takes about 4 to 8 hours, depending on your departure point. Upon arrival in Port Moresby, transfer to a domestic flight to Hoskins Airport, located on the island of New Britain.
Depending on what time you arrive in Port Moresby, you will stay 1 night at the Airways hotel, overlooking the airport runways.
November 5 - Arrival at Hoskins & start Liveaboard
Today you land at Hoskins Airport. Hoskins Airport is the gateway to the province of Western New Britain and home to Kimbe, the country’s largest palm oil producing region and the gateway to breathtaking Kimbe Bay. The domestic flight from Port Moresby to Hoskins takes about two hours.
You will be picked up at the airport and taken to the Walindi Plantation Resort. The drive takes about an hour and along the way you will enjoy the impressions of the lush, green landscape of Western New Britain.
At 4 p.m. it is time to board the MV Oceania. After everyone gets to know each other, the captain greets you and you are settled in your cabins, the liveaboard departs around 6 p.m., heading for the first dive sites for the next day.
November 6 & 7 - Kimbe Bay
For the next seven days, we will try to make 4 dives a day daily. We start diving in the area of Kimbe Bay.
Kimbe Bay is known as the epicenter of the “Coral Triangle” due to the presence of more than 60 percent of all coral species in the Indo-Pacific. Divers are drawn to the abundance of reefs – more than 190 in all – that offer a range of habitats, including coral gardens, underwater pinnacles and mangrove areas. The marine life is very diverse, with numerous reef fish, pelagic species, sea turtles, and even the occasional whale shark and sperm whale. In addition to its fascinating underwater world, Kimbe Bay is also a center of marine conservation efforts, with active research and conservation projects to protect its fragile ecosystems.
November 8 - 10 - Witu Islands
After Kimbe Bay, it is time to sail on to the Witu Islands. The Witu Islands are known for their beautiful coral gardens and underwater pinnacles. The biodiversity is impressive, with colorful reef fish, sharks, squids, crabs and even rare seahorses. Underwater visibility is often excellent, with distances of up to 30 meters. The Witu Islands are also a nesting ground for sea turtles and birds, making them a particularly important nature reserve. Due to their remote location and protected status, marine life in the Witu Islands is lush and pristine.
November 11 & 12 - Father's Reef
Father’s Reef is a world-class dive site, beloved for its abundance of marine life. The reef is a series of undersea mountains that extend far into the Bismarck Sea. These unique geological formations create an array of deep drop-offs, picturesque underwater pinnacles, and coral-covered slopes.
The marine life at Father’s Reefs is as impressive as the scenery. Divers can expect an abundance of marine life, ranging from colorful reef fish and magnificent corals to majestic manta rays and playful dolphins. During certain seasons, even whale sharks and hammerhead sharks can be spotted.
Despite its popularity, Father’s Reefs remains a relatively unspoiled and pristine dive site, thanks to its remote location and commitment to conservation.
November 13 - Last day of diving
Today is our last day under the shimmering waves of Papua New Guinea. We start the morning with two dives, each one a last chance to explore the enchanting underwater world of this region. After the dives, we enjoy a delicious lunch on board and the ship sets sail for the port of the Walindi Plantation Resort. Tonight you still sleep on the boat. Dinner will most likely be buffet style at Walindi. That’s about a 50-meter walk from the boat.
November 14 - Hoskins to Kokopo
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Hoskins Airport for your flight to Kokopo. Upon arrival, you will be met by a driver and the staff of Kokopo Beach Bungalows who will take you to the resort. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore the small town of Kokopo.
November 15 - Volcano & Rabaul
The nearby town of Rabaul was buried under the ash of the still-active volcano Tavurvur in 1994. You’ll leave Kokopo early in the morning so you’ll have a chance to climb the volcano before the big heat starts. You’ll pass small hot springs and meet locals searching the dark volcanic sand for a specialty – the eggs of Megapod birds. Lunch is served at the Rabaul Hotel, which also offers much information about the city’s history. Then drive through the eerily deserted old town to the museum and volcano observatory, also seeing some World War II remnants along the way.
November 16 & 17 - Diving at Rabaul
You will spend these days diving at dive sites around Kokopo & Rabaul. The region is known for its rich collection of World War II Japanese wrecks. With more than 60 identified wrecks in Simpson Harbor alone, Rabaul offers an impressive combination of wreck diving, stunning offshore reefs and excellent macro hot-spots. Dive sites such as Johnnies Jetty offer fantastic macro diving opportunities, while the Atun, a former Taiwanese tuna fishing ship that was sunk in 1983, offers stunning wreck diving. Divers can enjoy the colorful marine life, including seahorses, moray eels and stingrays, and the rich coral growth, which creates a vibrant underwater landscape.
November 18 - World War II and Baining Fire Dance
You will spend these days diving at dive sites around Kokopo & Rabaul. The region is known for its rich collection of World War II Japanese wrecks. With more than 60 identified wrecks in Simpson Harbor alone, Rabaul offers an impressive combination of wreck diving, stunning offshore reefs and excellent macro hot-spots. Dive sites such as Johnnies Jetty offer fantastic macro diving opportunities, while the Atun, a former Taiwanese tuna fishing ship that was sunk in 1983, offers stunning wreck diving. Divers can enjoy the colorful marine life, including seahorses, moray eels and stingrays, and the rich coral growth, which creates a vibrant underwater landscape.
November 19 - Port Moresby
Early morning flight to Port Moresby and after a good breakfast with stunning views of the airport and runways, visit the Nature Park which includes the country’s plants and animals, followed by a visit to the National Museum which offers a huge collection of ancient masks and other amazing PNG artifacts.
November 20 & 21 - Back home
After a good breakfast with great views of the airport and runways, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight back home.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
MV Oceania
The MV Oceania is a 27-meter catamaran sailing in the waters of Papua New Guinea. The boat has just undergone an extensive refit and is modern and comfortable, designed with the modern diver in mind.
Meals on board are prepared with as much local, fresh produce as possible. A continental breakfast is available for the first dive of the day (before 6:30 a.m.) and hot breakfast items such as eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc. can be ordered after the first dive. Lunch is usually a buffet and includes a variety of salads, stir-fries, fried savory dishes, chicken wings, hot fries, etc. Dinner is what we would describe as ‘ fantastic homestyle cooking’, using locally produced meat and freshly caught fish whenever possible.
Complimentary tea and coffee and fresh fuit is available throughout the day. Refrigerators are stocked with an array of soft drinks, juices and SP beers. There is red and white wine on board and the brand is determined by what is on sale at the time. They strive to buy the best wines they can, but since PNG is a third-world country, we occasionally have limited choices.
There are a total of 8 cabins, 5 of which are equipped with two single beds and 3 with a large double bed. The cabins have individual air conditioning. You can also relax outside on the spacious sundeck for a relaxing surface interval after diving.
On the top floor of the Oceania you will find a large open space used for relaxing between dives, sometimes snacks and sundowners.
Kokopo Beach Bungalows
The Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort is an oasis of comfort and tranquility amid lively nature. With its panoramic views of the Pidgeon Islands and the surrounding coastline, this resort offers an unforgettable stay in the East New Britain region.
The spacious bungalows and deluxe rooms are designed with a combination of traditional Melanesian influences and modern amenities for comfort and convenience. Each accommodation is equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and satellite TV, while some bungalows also offer a kitchenette and a private veranda.
The resort has several facilities, including an outdoor pool, a fully equipped gym, and conference facilities. The in-house restaurant serves a selection of local and international dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is €8529 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €8529 p.p.
- 9 Overnight stays on the MV Oceania
- 5 Nights at Kokopo Beach
- 1 Overnight in Port Moresby (day 19)
- Full board accommodation
- All transfers listed.
- Approx. 28-30 Dives on the MV Oceania
- Approx. 4 Dives at Kokopo Rabaul
- GGTO, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Port Moresby
- Marine Park Fee
- Eco tax
- from €1200,- p.p.
- $5.00 per diving day
- $2.00 per night
Optional
- Extra overnight Port Moresby
- Nitrox MV Oceania
- approx. €120 p.p.
- $270.00 p.p.
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Liveaboard MV Oceania
Yes definitely, and there are 2 large water tanks on board allowing you to shower after each dive.
Yes, there is individual air conditioning.
Yes, chances are good. If you really don’t want this, you can get a cabin alone for an additional fee. Price upon request. Usually the supplement is about 75% of the price of the cabin/hotel room.
Kokopo Beach Bungalows
Yes, but don’t expect too much.
Diving equipment
MV Oceania: Both
Rabaul: Unknown
MV Oceania: No
Rabaul: Unknown
MV Oceania: Yes this is possible, cost is $210.00 p.p. for trips of 7/8 nights and $270.00 for trips of 9/10 nights.
Rabaul: Unknown
Upon request.
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